If you have sensitive teeth, chances are you haven’t been caring for your teeth properly, or have neglected them to the extent that they hurt whenever you eat or drink something hot or cold. Although sensitive teeth can cause a great deal of pain, there are steps you can take to care for your sensitive teeth and keep the problem from recurring.

First, it’s best to avoid the food and drinks that cause you pain. Because all food and drink remove small amounts of tooth enamel over time, when you do decide to partake in ice cream, a cold or hot drink, sweet and sour candy, acidic wines, or foods high in sugar or starch, make sure to drink water to balance the acid levels in your mouth. Drinking milk or eating cheese can also help neutralize acid.

It’s also good to drink plenty of tap water, especially when you don’t have access to a toothbrush. This helps wash away lingering sugars and acids from your teeth. This is a great way to minimize the effects that food or sodas can have on your teeth when you can’t brush. Since tap water often has fluoride added to it, it is actually better for your teeth than the bottled alternative.

Caring for Your Sensitive Teeth

It’s good to brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. Never use a hard, stiff brush, and avoid brushing your teeth with a horizontal motion, as this can expose the roots more than brushing vertically does. When you brush, use gentle strokes rather than a harsh scrubbing technique.

Use the toothpaste your dentist prescribes. Your dentist will be able to recommend an effective toothpaste for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes typically contain either potassium nitrate or strontium chloride, chemicals that plug up the tubules in dentin and build a shield around the nerves in your teeth.

It also is good to rinse with an over-the-counter fluoride mouthwash, which repairs minor damage to the teeth by restoring the enamel. Doing this once each day can decrease sensitivity and ease tooth pain. You can also ask Dr. Katende to coat your teeth with a fluoride varnish for extra protection.

Other Strategies to Keep Pain at Bay

Another reason your teeth can be sensitive? You may be grinding your teeth together while you sleep. If you do grind your teeth at night, using a mouthguard will keep you from grinding away your enamel.

If your sensitivity seems to be related to a tooth with an old amalgam filling (sometimes referred to as a silver filling), you can ask to have these replaced, since metal transmits hot and cold. Alternatives include ceramic and composite resin fillings. This also goes if you have a cracked tooth.

Visit Our Harker Heights Dental Office Regularly

If your teeth seem especially sensitive, schedule an appointment with Dr. Katende. Or if your gums have receded, ask to have your roots sealed and protected with bonding agents.